A Christmas Story (Part 3) And Happy Holiday!

This week the story of Gerry's lights was aired on CBC radio.  The web story will be published on Christmas Day.

http://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/the-early-edition/episode/15652942

I'm very proud of the kids.

Thank you for all your support in the first 4 months of school.  Have a wonderful holiday with friends and family filled with fun and a little time to relax and reflect.

Unhealthy Art (Sorry)

The students have worked hard and deserved a treat!  Today's art lesson was making melted snowman.  

We Miss Roanne and Wish Her a Merry Christmas

Student Teachers

The students take turns teaching the daily language lesson, and they do a great job.

Great Learning Can Be Done On iPads (Thank you PAC)

In Science, the students were able to change a skateboard course and add or remove friction.  They saw what happens to speed, the ability to do tricks, thermal energy etc. when the degree of slope is
changed.

Holiday Shopping

Today the students browsed through flyers to find the perfect gifts for family and friends.  They made lists of items with actual costs and rounded costs, added the amounts, then told me how much money was needed.  They had a lot of fun pretending and so did I.

The Gerry Story Continues

Gerry wanted to thank the students in person, so today we had a little celebration in class.  Gerry and his wife, Molly, were there as well as Luke Smeaton from the school board office who was instrumental in making Gerry's wish come true, Mr. Kelly, who supported this project from the beginning, and Frank Morgan, who often helps Gerry in the garden.  Others who have helped (see previous blog) were not able to attend.  The students made and signed thank you cards for everyone.

A Gift for Gerry

Many of you know Gerry.  He is a 98 year old neighbour and a friend of the students in our class. He created the garden just north of the school. About 15 years ago he began by ripping out invasive blackberry bushes, ivy, etc. in a small patch and replacing these with pretty flowers. Over time his garden patch grew (in size and beauty), and people in the community became involved by donating plants, soil, tools, and labour.  The garden continues to grow and is now enjoyed by dog walkers, bicyclists, and even horseback riders.  Gerry continues to work in the garden when his health allows.  He is loved by the community.

Each year the students of Brooksbank create ornaments to hang on one of the lovely pines in the garden.  For the last few years, Gerry has asked me if it could be possible to have lights on the tree.  The problem - no outside electric outlet to plug them into.  Last year, with Mr. Kelly's approval, a work order was submitted.  We were told, "No," it was impossible to have an outside electric outlet.  Valid reasons were given.

So this year, I asked the students to help and they did!  Besides providing ingenious ideas involving solar power and projection from the classroom, they wrote heartfelt persuasive letters to the mayors of both the district and city of North Vancouver, to BC Hydro executives, and to Luke Smeaton, Manager of Sustainability, Energy & Environmental Planning and to James Bell, the head of electrical maintenance for the North Vancouver School District.  The students also measured the distance to the Loutet Farm because the farmers there said we could plug in a power chord to their outside outlet.  Unfortunately, we learned this would not meet electric code requirements.  

The response was encouraging!  We received an email from the District of North Vancouver, a letter from the mayor of North Vancouver City, and return phone calls from BC Hydro.  All were touched by the students' thoughtful letters and their compassion for Gerry.  All organizations wanted  to help but noted the difficulties involved.  It is unclear who has jurisdiction due to the location of the garden (parts are on school property, in the city, in the district, and on BC Hydro right of way).  And of course there are safety, electrical code, and liability considerations.  Luke Smeaton and James Bell were determined to help, and they found a way.  On Friday, an outdoor electric outlet was installed above our classroom door by Trevor Hostyn, a NVSD electrician.  

Gerry is thrilled with his gift and there are festive lights in the garden!

Time to Review Multiplication and Division Facts

Holiday Homework (if you would like to give your child a head start)

Starting after the holidays, on (most) Fridays the students will have a multiplication and division facts quiz.  We are starting the first week back with 2X up to 2X10 and ÷ 2 up to 20 ÷ 2.  Your child will write what she needs to study in the planner on Monday.
Help your child by having him/her
1.  skip count forward and backwards ie. 0, 2, 4 ... 20 and 20, 18, 16 ... 0 
2.  draw a clock (your child can explain after the break) and say the facts in order then out of order.  Time him to show the improvement.
3.  use flash cards
4.  use multiplication and division apps (math drills lite and xtramath.com have been recommended by parents) 
5.  complete the handouts I provide
6.  continue to review the tables after the quizzes

Thank you for your support!

Gearing Up for the Holidays

Decorating a pine tree in Gerry's garden, creating toque and felt ornaments,  a sing along with Kurt and his ukelele, the annual jingle walk and more!